Creating A Dog Friendly-Yard
If you’re a dog lover, you know that achieving a beautiful lawn and yard while maintaining a place for your furry best friend to play is not always an easy task. From yellow “dog-spots” on your beautiful green lawn to worn pathways, it may seem like having both a beautiful yard and a dog is just not achievable. However, there are adjustments you can make to create a yard that is attractive and will put up with abuse from your four-legged friend.
Grass Or No Grass?
Depending on the size and quantity of dogs you have, having a green, lush lawn can be difficult. While there are grasses that are hardier and can withstand more abuse, most will yellow under frequent urination. If keeping a lawn is important to you, then discuss with your landscaper the best types of grass for your region that will withstand the rigors of living with dogs. If you are diligent, watering down urination areas can reduce the chance of yellow spots. Training your dog to do his business in a designated area can also keep your lawn lush and green.
Another option is to forgo the lawn altogether in favor of other landscape design options. Hardscaping with stones, bricks or cement can offer a beautiful, albeit different, look for your yard without needing to fight to keep grass alive. Moss and clover are other ways to have a green yard without the use of grass that is so easily ruined by our canine friends.
The last part of having a dog-friendly yard is making it safe for them. There are certain plants, like foxglove, that can be dangerous and even deadly to your dog. Make sure to research any plants you use in your landscaping to ensure they wont cause any ill effects on your dog if they eat them.
Posted on behalf of Troy Ogrin, Maxwell Hardscapes